The majority of renters probably don’t have any coverage, either because they believe they can’t afford it or because they don’t know it exists. The average cost in the U.S. is about $200 annually, and of course it’s the tenants who are responsible for their own belongings. Also, insurers say that beyond personal property, renters may need to consider  protection from liability lawsuits in this litigious age. So here are some good pointers for you:  1. Take the highest deductible you can afford, maybe a $500 one, because it’s going to lower your premium cost. 2. Consider coverage for “actual cash value” versus more costly “replacement value”. 3. Check out coverage for living expenses (if you have to move out temporarily); liability (if you get sued), and also catastrophes (including fire, vandalism, frozen pipes, flooding etc). 4. Look into possible savings by having an alarm system, and keep safe!

The Federal Reserve just issued some important tips for anyone who might be facing foreclosure, and I thought that you should know. First, work only with a non-profit HUD-approved certified counselor, and feel free to call 1-877-483-1515 to be sure. Secondly, if the name of the counselor is not on their list, then switch to one that is. Thirdly, don’t pay an arm and a leg; most housing counselors provide no-cost or low-cost counseling services. Also, be wary of “guarantees” as no one can ensure you good results. And always know what you are signing (don’t let a counselor pressure you into signing paperwork that you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand). And finally, remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ah, the signs of spring: birds chirping, flowers blooming and a garden desperately needing your attention. Now’s the time to get the area around your home in peak condition with a few simple steps. 1. Care for your soil. 2. Mulch your garden generously. 3. Go native, since according to experts, native plants tend to be easier to grow, have fewer pest and disease problems and require less suplemental watering. 4. Minimize maintenance, by cutting back on fertilizers and pruning only when necessary. Pruning and fertilizers cause plants to produce tender, succulent growth, which is what bugs prefer. Happy gardening (with all your free time)!

For America’s youngest movers, moving to a new home can be an unsettling experience. The excitement of meeting new friends or decorating a new room is often outweighed by fears of losing touch with old friends or fitting in at a new school. And so here are some tips to help ease the anxiety that they might feel when changing addresses: First, include your children in decorating decisions for their new rooms. Second, assign them boxes to pack, or items to wrap or organize, so that they feel involved. Third, familiarize them with your new neighborhood, and locate some of your family’s favorite restaurants and chain stores (to help them feel more at home). And finally, introduce yourself and your family to your new neighbors, and suggest that you all get together and get acquainted. This should be a rewarding time for you, and hopefully fun for your children too! 

When you sell a house, you’re putting faith in your agent that he or she will protect your home during showings. But before you turn over the keys, you should secure important documents and personal items in a safe or file cabinet. Bills, medical information and financial data should be out of sight, especially with the increasing incidents of identity theft. Paperwork that may include your name, address and Social Security number should be in a drawer, cabinet or, better yet, locked up. Checkbooks, jewelry, family heirlooms and cash should be locked up as well. And if you have a personal computer that’s easy to access, make sure your data is pass-code protected. I have personally never had any incidents of theft reported to me, but with potentially numerous agents and their clients visiting your home, better safe than sorry!